BS 8900:2006 pdf download – Guidance for managing sustainable development Scope This British Standard provides guidance on managing sustainable development and a framework that assists organizations to enhance performance and effectiveness. It offers a coherent approach to managing economic, environmental and social aspects of an organization’s activities. This guidance is intended to be applied by organizations of any size, sector and type. In addition it is relevant to organizations’ stakeholders. NOTE The application of this standard will vary with an organization’s progress along the sustainable development path (illustrated in Clause 5). The guidance does not specify performance criteria or explain the specific elements of economic, environmental and social impacts. 2 Terms and definitions All terms are explained within the text or carry their normal dictionary meaning. 3 Principles of sustainable development An organization’s management of sustainable development should be based on a set of principles and values (see 4.1) with which decision-making and behaviour need to be consistent. Principles should be informed by an organization’s values and should also relate to commonly held ethical norms that are increasingly reflected in UN and other international agreements covering topics such as human and labour rights, environment and governance. The principles that an organization identifies for itself would normally include inclusivity, integrity, stewardship and transparency. Table 1 contains some useful questions for establishing these principles. 4 Putting sustainable development into practice 4.1 The organization The primary purpose of the organization and the key factors that will significantly contribute to its long-term success should be described in a statement that can be used in any communications referring to sustainable development. Preparation and maintenance of the statement should be the sole responsibility of the organization, drawn up within the appropriate rules of governance and approved by the organization’s governing body. The statement forms the foundation for the organization’s sustainable development activities and helps align primary purpose with related sustainable development activities, thereby increasing transparency of governance. Management’s commitment is integral to the success of any sustainable development programme. The leadership of the organization should define and communicate the strategic vision for sustainable development. In both these processes of definition and communication, the organization should engage with relevant internal and external stakeholders, understand their issues, identify the specific drivers and predicted benefits, and develop an appreciation of the dynamics of the various issues. The vision should express the organization’s desired position on sustainable development; it should...
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